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f Hydro-Mechanical Modelling Of Spatial And Temporal Fault Zone Evolution In Basement Rocks To Improve Estimates Of Fault Zone Permeability
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, II Simpósio Brasileiro de Geofísica, Sep 2006, cp-198-00099
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Abstract
There is considerable industrial interest in assessing the permeability of faults for the purpose of oil and gas production, deep well injection of waste liquids, underground storage of natural gas and disposal of radioactive waste. Prior estimation of fault hydraulic properties is highly error prone. Faults zones are formed through a complex interaction of mechanical, hydraulic and chemical processes and their permeability varies considerably over both space and time. Algorithms for predicting fault seal potential using throw and host rock property data exist for clay-rich fault seals but are contentious. In the case of crystalline rocks and sand-sand contacts, no such algorithms exist. In any case, the study of fault growth processes does not suggest that there is a clear or simple relationship between fault throw and the fault zone permeability.